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| A recent fire forced an Elkton-area eatery and grocery store to close indefinitely, after causing approximately $150,000 in damage.
According to the Cecil Whig, a passerby called 911 at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Friday, April 17 after noticing smoke rising from Molly’s Market, located on Old Chestnut Road southwest of Elkton. About 40 firefighters from the Elkton, North East and Charlestown volunteer fire departments arrived to extinguish the fire, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office said. It took approximately 30 minutes for firefighters to get the blaze under control. Investigators don’t suspect foul play or criminal activity in the fire, which caused extensive damage to the business owned by David and Stacey Holdaway. Molly’s Market sells made-to-order pizzas, subs, wraps and other foods, as well as groceries. Delaware Online reports that the fire caused about $50,000 in structural damage, but destroyed about $100,000 in property and goods inside the two-story building. “The business incurred minor fire damage, but it sustained extensive smoke, soot and water damage, which caused most, if not all, stock to be discarded,” Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver J. Alkire said. Fire damage continues to be one of the most devastating forms of property damage. In 2012, fires resulted in approximately $11.5 billion in direct property loss; wind and hail-related damage resulted in just $3.9 billion in losses. The Holdaways’ insurance representative is currently working with the couple to help them re-open their store as soon as possible, Alkire said. A re-opening date has not yet been announced. Investigators have determined that the fire started in one of the building’s offices, but investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing. |
